Choosing the Right Autism Assessment: ADOS-2 or MIGDAS-2?

A Neuroaffirming, Evidence-Based Pathway to Understanding

At Conscious Health Clinic, we believe that every mind deserves to be understood — not pathologised. Seeking an autism assessment can feel like a big step, especially when faced with so many different options, tools, and opinions. You might have heard of assessments like the ADOS-2 or MIGDAS-2, or perhaps you’re unsure which approach will offer the most clarity, credibility, and recognition — especially if you’re applying for NDIS or school supports.

Our team of highly trained clinicians specialise in comprehensive, neuroaffirming autism assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. We combine the most scientifically validated diagnostic tools with strengths-based, person-centred approaches to arrive at assessments that are accurate, meaningful, and empowering.

Our Philosophy: Neuroaffirming Meets Evidence-Based

Being neuroaffirming means more than using mindful language — it means respecting neurodiversity as a natural variation in humans. At Conscious Health Clinic, we don’t see Autism as a deficit to be fixed, but as a different way of experiencing, processing, and connecting with the world. Yet, being affirming doesn’t mean being unstructured or vague. Our assessments are scientifically rigorous, clinically defensible, and fully aligned with the DSM-5-TR and NDIS best practice standards. We achieve this by combining the precision of standardised tools with the depth and authenticity of narrative-based exploration.

Every assessment is designed to answer one core question: How can we best understand and support this person’s unique neurotype, strengths, and needs?

Our Comprehensive Autism Assessment Framework

No single test can diagnose Autism. The best assessments are multimodal, multidisciplinary, and context-aware. At Conscious Health Clinic, each diagnostic evaluation is individually tailored and may include the following components:

1. Clinical Intake and Developmental History

A detailed clinical interview gathers developmental, social, and sensory history from the client and/or caregivers. We often use:

• ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised)

• Monteiro Interview (MIGDAS-2 framework)

• Parent/caregiver and self-report questionnaires

• Review of prior reports and teacher input when relevant

This stage ensures we understand your lived experiences, communication style, and developmental trajectory in context.

2. Direct Observation and Interactive Assessment

Depending on age, presentation, and goals, we may use one or more of the following gold-standard tools:

• ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) – a semi-structured, standardised behavioural observation widely recognised worldwide.

• MIGDAS-2 (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing Autism Spectrum) – a sensory-based, conversational, and strength-focused assessment that supports self-expression and authenticity.

• CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) – particularly helpful for differential diagnosis in complex or overlapping presentations.

Each session is conducted by a qualified psychologist trained to identify both observable traits and subtle patterns often missed in standardised testing — particularly in women, girls, and adults who mask.

3. Cognitive, Adaptive, and Functional Profiling

To capture the whole picture, we assess how autism-related differences interact with daily functioning and learning:

• Cognitive and executive function testing (e.g., WAIS-IV, WISC-V, D-KEFS)

• Adaptive behaviour measures (e.g., Vineland-3, ABAS-3)

• Sensory processing and regulation profiles (SPM-2, Sensory Profile)

• Emotional and behavioural screening (BASC-3, Conners 4, RCADS, etc.)

This multidimensional approach ensures that our reports not only support diagnosis but also guide meaningful intervention and planning.

4. Collaborative Feedback and Support Planning

Every assessment culminates in a feedback session where we walk through findings with you — not just about whether criteria are met, but what they mean for you or your child’s wellbeing, self-understanding, and future supports.

Our written reports are:

• NDIS-compliant and accepted by government agencies and schools

• Comprehensive, clear, and compassionate

• Rich in recommendations for supports, accommodations, and next steps

• Neuroaffirming, written in language that reflects identity and dignity

We ensure every person leaves with insight, validation, and an actionable plan for next steps — whether that’s school supports, workplace adjustments, therapeutic interventions, or self-advocacy tools.

ADOS-2 and MIGDAS-2: Complementary, Not Competing

Many clinics choose one or the other — but at Conscious Health Clinic, we don’t believe in false choices.

We are one of few practices that routinely integrate both:

Your Needs	Our Recommended Approach
You want a structured, widely recognised test for NDIS or school documentation	ADOS-2
You or your child mask traits or struggle with test anxiety	MIGDAS-2
You value both quantitative rigour and qualitative insight	Hybrid ADOS-2 + MIGDAS-2
You’ve had inconclusive or invalidating past assessments	MIGDAS-2 or Hybrid
You want a strengths-based, neuroaffirming, trauma-informed process	MIGDAS-2 or Hybrid

This dual-framework approach ensures your assessment is both clinically defensible and authentically representative of your lived experience.

Why Families and Professionals Choose Conscious Health Clinic

• Clinical Excellence – Our psychologists are trained in multiple evidence-based diagnostic frameworks and stay current with global research.

• Neuroaffirming Practice – We prioritise respect, inclusion, and empowerment in every interaction.

• Holistic Understanding – We see the whole person — not just their challenges, but their sensory world, passions, and strengths.

• NDIS-Ready Reports – Our comprehensive diagnostic reports meet NDIS and educational documentation requirements.

• Collaborative Support – We work alongside GPs, paediatricians, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and educators to ensure continuity of care.

• Beyond Diagnosis – We provide evidence-based interventions, post-diagnostic support, and coaching for individuals and families to thrive beyond the label.

The Conscious Health Difference

Our mission is simple: To offer gold-standard, neuroaffirming Autism assessments that lead to real understanding, real validation, and real outcomes.

Whether you are a parent seeking answers, an adult exploring your identity, or a professional referring a client, we’re here to make the process transparent, empowering, and transformative — not clinical and cold. “We don’t diagnose to define — we assess to understand.”At Conscious Health Clinic, we don’t just see Autism. We see you.

Ready to Begin?

Your journey to clarity starts with a collaborative conversation.Book an Initial Consultation ($290) to discuss your goals, experiences, and the most appropriate assessment pathway for you or your child. This session includes some initial screening which may indicate you don't need a full assessment. which can save you a lot of money in the long run, or provide a good rationale to proceed with a full assessment. Our Autism assessments vary in price depending on the time taken but usually cost in total `$3700.

Conscious Health Clinic (02) 4200 4435 contact@conscioushealth.com.au Book online via our website